2 Samuel 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—Though God’s promise tarry long, it is fully accomplished at last. He can produce unanimity in the largest societies whenever the ends of his glory require it. The duties of magistrates and subjects are reciprocal, the one being as much bound as the other. What victory, honour, and happiness, attend the peculiar presence of God with men! and to him the glory of all our success ought to be ascribed. But alas! that God’s favours should be used in the lustful addition of wives and concubines! If by one wife Adam and Noah peopled a world, what need for so many to furnish one throne! But what is sweet in the mouth will become bitter in the belly. Meanwhile, behold how the enemies of God assemble themselves to their own destruction! How little care false gods can take of themselves or their votaries! And how men prosper in war when they make God their director!